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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Description of Business: Cousins Properties Incorporated (“Cousins”), a Georgia corporation, is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Cousins Real Estate Corporation (“CREC”) is a taxable entity wholly-owned by and consolidated with Cousins. CREC owns, develops, and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties.Cousins, CREC and their subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) develop, acquire, lease, manage, and own primarily Class A office properties and opportunistic mixed-use developments in Sunbelt markets with a focus on Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 14.8 million square feet of office space, 566,000 square feet of retail space, and 404,000 square feet of apartments.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification” or “ASC”). The Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP.

For the three years ended December 31, 2013, there were no items of other comprehensive income. Therefore, no presentation of comprehensive income is required.

The Company evaluates all partnerships, joint ventures and other arrangements with variable interests to determine if the entity or arrangement qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined in the Codification. If the entity or arrangement qualifies as a VIE and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, the Company is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the VIE.

The Company has a joint venture with Callaway Gardens Resort, Inc. (“Callaway”) for the development of residential lots, which is anticipated to be funded fully through Company contributions. Callaway has the right to receive returns, but no obligation to fund any costs or absorb any losses. The Company is the sole decision maker for the venture and the development manager. The Company has determined that Callaway is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates this joint venture. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Callaway had total assets of $4.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and no significant liabilities.

Cost capitalization

Cost Capitalization: Costs related to planning, developing, leasing, and constructing a property, including costs of development personnel working directly on projects under development, are capitalized. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest to qualifying assets under development based on average accumulated expenditures outstanding during the period. In capitalizing interest to qualifying assets, the Company first uses the interest incurred on specific project debt, if any, and next uses the Company’s weighted average interest rate for non-project specific debt. The Company also capitalizes interest to investments accounted for under the equity method when the investee has property under development with a carrying value in excess of the investee’s borrowings. To the extent debt exists within an unconsolidated joint venture during the construction period, the venture capitalizes interest on that venture-specific debt.

The Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of recently completed development properties from the date a project is substantially complete to the earlier of (1) the date on which the project achieves 90% economic occupancy or (2) one year after it is substantially complete.

The Company capitalizes direct leasing costs related to leases that are probable of being executed. These costs include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement, and internal costs that are based on time spent by leasing personnel on successful leases. The Company allocates these costs to individual tenant leases and amortizes them over the related lease term.

Impairment

Impairment: For real estate assets that are considered to be held for sale according to accounting guidance, the Company records impairment losses if the fair value of the asset net of estimated selling costs is less than the carrying amount. For those long-lived assets that are held and used according to accounting guidance, management reviews each asset for the existence of any indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company calculates the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company reduces the asset to its fair value. See note 15 for impairment losses recognized during 2013, 2012, and 2011.

Acquisition of Operating Properties

Acquisition of Operating Properties: The Company records the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of operating property acquisitions at fair value at the acquisition date. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an operating property acquisition generally include but are not limited to: land, buildings and improvements, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market tenant leases, value of above-market and below-market ground leases, acquired in-place lease values, and tenant relationships, if any.

The fair value of land is derived from comparable sales of land within the same submarket and/or region. The fair value of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs are based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information.

The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts recorded for above-market and below-market tenant leases are included in intangible assets and intangible liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis into rental property revenues over the remaining term of the applicable leases. The amounts recorded for above-market and below-market ground leases are included in intangible liabilities and intangible assets, respectively, and are amortized on a straight-line basis into rental property operating expenses over the remaining terms of the applicable leases.

The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. The amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and Amortization: Real estate assets are stated at depreciated cost less impairment losses, if any. Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which range from 24 to 40 years. The life of a particular building depends upon a number of factors including whether the building was developed or acquired and the condition of the building upon acquisition. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three to five years. Tenant improvements, leasing costs and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the applicable leases or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. The Company accelerates the depreciation of tenant assets if it estimates that the lease term will end prior to the termination date. This acceleration may occur if a tenant files for bankruptcy, vacates its premises or defaults in another manner on its lease. Deferred expenses are amortized over the period of estimated benefit. The Company uses the straight-line method for all depreciation and amortization.

Discontinued Operation

Discontinued Operations: The Company classifies the results of operations of properties that have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for sale as discontinued operations for all periods presented if the property's operations are expected to be eliminated from ongoing operations and the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property after the sale. The Company also classifies any gains or losses on the sale of such properties as discontinued operations as well as any related impairment losses associated with such properties. The Company ceases depreciation of a property when it is categorized as held for sale. See note 3 for a detail of properties that meet these requirements.

Investments in Joint Ventures

Investment in Joint Ventures

For joint ventures that the Company does not control, but exercises significant influence, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's judgment with regard to its level of influence or control of an entity involves consideration of various factors including the form of its ownership interest; its representation in the entity's governance; its ability to participate in policy-making decisions; and the rights of other investors to participate in the decision-making process, to replace the Company as manager, and/or to liquidate the venture. These ventures are recorded at cost and adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the Company’s balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets on the joint venture’s balance sheet is adjusted as the related underlying assets are depreciated, amortized, or sold. The Company generally allocates income and loss from an unconsolidated joint venture based on the venture's distribution priorities, which may be different from its stated ownership percentage.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing each investment for any indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, the Company estimates the fair value of the investment. If the carrying value of the investment is greater than the estimated fair value, management makes an assessment of whether the impairment is “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” In making this assessment, management considers the following: (1) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and (3) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. See note 5 for more information on impairment losses recognized on the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures during 2011.

The Company consolidates certain joint ventures that it controls. In cases where the entity’s documents do not contain a required redemption clause, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in the equity section of the balance sheets in nonredeemable noncontrolling interests. In cases where the entity’s documents contain a provision requiring the Company to purchase the partner’s share of the venture at a certain value upon demand or at a future date, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in redeemable noncontrolling interests on the balance sheets. Amounts recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted to the higher of fair value or the partner’s cost basis each reporting period. The effect of these adjustments is recorded in additional paid-in capital within total stockholders’ investment. The noncontrolling partners' share of all consolidated joint ventures' income is reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on the statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Rental Property Revenues: The Company recognizes contractual revenues from leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. Certain of these leases also provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee. Percentage rents are recognized once the specified sales target is achieved. In addition, leases typically provide for reimbursement of the tenants' share of real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses to the Company. Operating expense reimbursements are recognized as the related expenses are incurred. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized $43.9 million, $26.2 million, and $28.4 million, respectively, in revenues, including discontinued operations, from tenants related to operating expenses.

The Company makes valuation adjustments to all tenant-related accounts receivable based upon its estimate of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from the tenant. The amount of any valuation adjustment is based on the tenant’s credit and business risk, history of payment, and other factors considered by management.

Fee Income: The Company recognizes development, management, and leasing fees when earned. The Company recognizes development, management, and leasing fees received from unconsolidated joint ventures and related salaries and other direct costs incurred by the Company as income and expense based on the percentage of the joint venture which the Company does not own. Correspondingly, the Company adjusts the investment in unconsolidated joint ventures asset when fees are paid to the Company by a joint venture in which the Company has an ownership interest. The Company amortizes these adjustments over a relevant period in income from unconsolidated joint ventures.

Land Sales: The Company recognizes sales and related cost of sales of land upon closing, the majority of which historically have been accounted for on the full accrual method. If a substantial continuing obligation exists related to the sale, the Company uses the percentage of completion method. If other criteria for the full accrual method are not met, the Company utilizes the installment method, cost recovery method, deposit method, or reduced-profit method as applicable.

Gain on Sale of Investment Properties: The Company recognizes a gain on sale of investment property when the sale of a property is consummated, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate commitment to pay, any receivable obtained is not subject to future subordination, the usual risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, and the Company has no substantial continuing involvement with the property. If the Company has a commitment to the buyer and that commitment is a specific dollar amount, this commitment is accrued and the gain on sale that the Company recognizes is reduced. If the Company has a construction commitment to the buyer, management makes an estimate of this commitment, defers a portion of the profit from the sale, and recognizes the deferred profit as or when the commitment is fulfilled.

Receivable Policy

Income Taxes

Cousins has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, Cousins must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its stockholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain Cousins’ REIT status. As a REIT, Cousins generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its stockholders. If Cousins fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Cousins may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes on its undistributed taxable income.

CREC, a C-Corporation for federal income tax purposes, uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Tax return positions are recognized in the financial statements when they are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authority. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future periods. A valuation allowance may be placed on deferred income tax assets, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has several types of stock-based compensation plans. These plans are described in note 13, as are the accounting policies by type of award. The Company recognizes compensation expense, net of forfeitures, arising from share-based payment arrangements granted to employees and directors in general and administrative expense in the statements of operations over the related awards’ vesting period, which may be accelerated under the Company’s retirement feature. The Company has capitalized a portion of share-based payment expense to certain properties for those employees whose jobs are related to properties under development.

Earnings per Share (EPS)

Earnings per Share (“EPS”)

Net income (loss) per share-basic is calculated as net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including nonvested restricted stock which has nonforfeitable dividend rights. Net income (loss) per share-diluted is calculated as net (income) loss available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average number of common shares uses the same weighted average share number as in the basic calculation and adds the potential dilution that would occur if stock options (or any other contracts to issue common stock) were exercised and resulted in additional common shares outstanding, calculated using the treasury stock method. The numerator is reduced for the effect of preferred dividends in both the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations.

Stock options are dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s stock during the period exceeds the option exercise price. However, in periods where the Company is in a net loss position, the dilutive effect of stock options is not included in the diluted weighted average shares total.

Derivative Instruments

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly-liquid money market instruments. Highly-liquid money market instruments include securities and repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less, money market mutual funds, and United States Treasury Bills with maturities of 30 days or less. Restricted cash primarily represents amounts restricted under debt agreements for future capital expenditures or for specific future operating costs.

New Accounting Pronouncement Adoption

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Reporting

The Company has five reportable segments: Office, Retail, Land, Third Party Management and Leasing, and Other. In 2012, the Company sold its third party management and leasing business. See note 3 for detailed information. These reportable segments represent an aggregation of operating segments reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker based on similar economic characteristics that include the type of product and the nature of service. Each segment includes both consolidated operations and joint ventures. The Office and Retail segments show the results for that product type. The Land segment includes results of operations for certain land holdings and single-family residential communities that are sold as developed lots to homebuilders. Fee income and related expenses for the third party-owned properties which are managed or leased by the Company are included in the Third Party Management and Leasing segment. The Other segment includes:


•	fee income for third party owned and joint venture properties for which the Company performs management, development, and leasing services;


•	compensation for corporate employees, other than those in the Third Party Management and Leasing segment;


•	general corporate overhead costs and interest expense for consolidated and unconsolidated entities;


•	income attributable to noncontrolling interests;


•	income taxes;


•	depreciation;


•	preferred dividends; and


•	operations of the industrial buildings, which were sold in 2011.

Company management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments in part based on funds from operations available to common stockholders (“FFO”). FFO is a supplemental operating performance measure used in the real estate industry. The Company calculated FFO using the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ (“NAREIT”) definition of FFO, which is net income (loss) available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding extraordinary items, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and gains on sale or impairment losses on depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures to reflect FFO on the same basis.

FFO is used by industry analysts, investors, and the Company as a supplemental measure of a REIT’s operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. Thus, NAREIT created FFO as a supplemental measure of a REIT’s operating performance that excludes historical cost depreciation, among other items, from GAAP net income. Management believes the use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has been fundamentally beneficial, improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Company management evaluates operating performance in part based on FFO. Additionally, the Company uses FFO, along with other measures, to assess performance in connection with evaluating and granting incentive compensation to its officers and other key employees.

Segment net income, the balance of the Company’s investment in joint ventures and the amount of capital expenditures are not presented in the following tables. Management does not utilize these measures when analyzing its segments or when making resource allocation decisions and, therefore, this information is not provided.